Hurricane Rita in Entertainment Weekly – 72 Hours

That’s the absolute last magazine I’d ever thought I’d be in…well…I guess it’s tied with Glamour, Vogue, Seventeen, and…well any magazine that expects a woman to wear makeup and cater to what society demands.

It was quite a shock to actually hold the magazine in my hands and see myself all glossy and such. I immediately thought of my father, and how he’d be going nuts about it.

I’m holding up the orange flare like a crooked statue of Liberty if she had pink hair, was Puerto Rican, and in Fiji. It makes me look like a serious bad ass, since everyone next to me is shivering and miserable, and I’m in a red (hot Latin flavor) tank top.

Does this mean something? Ha! I guess you’ll have to find out by watching the show!

There’s a bit of pride I feel about having my picture in a shiny magazine, though not for the average reasons you might tink. Sure the picture is cool, but I’m thrilled that I’m sweaty, dirty, stinky, and without makeup (I haven’t worn it in YEARS!) in a magazine where the vast majority of featured folks (not saying being in the top corner of an advertisement is “featured” at all) focus on how they look, how they come across, and how people view them.

I am proud to continue to stand by my mantra: Never dress to impress. Simply impress with your talent.

I could be in a tutu, as long as I’m physically comfortable, I don’t give half a damn about what I’m wearing. When I travel I carry only a carry-on, no matter how long the stay. Read Simply Living, Simply Loving, for a more clear idea of exactly how I feel on the subject.

Check out the close up view of free advertisement.

Maybe the ad will inspire folks to watch the show.

Maybe when you watch my episode, you’ll be inspired.

Maybe amazing things will come of this.

Who knows?

What I do know is I’m working on a presentation. The owner of the Allen Theater in Annville, Pennsylvania has told me I can present my story as I see fit.

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About Hurricane Rita

An 8 1/2 year wounded OIF/OEF U.S. Army veteran, who grew tired of the system, sold her things, and moved into the back of her Rav4 after becoming a civilian in 2010. Then drove to Alaska and became a river guide on the largest bald eagle preserve in the world while healing in a cabin outside of town without electricity and plumbing. A runner, dance instructor, dance fitness instructor, and Couchsurfing traveler, she was chosen to participate in the action packed adventure, 72 Hours, on TNT. It aired on July 25, 2013 at 10:00PM. She went on the show to get her brother a wheel chair. Upon her return to the states from Fiji she found out she had contracted rat lungworm disease from eating a raw slug while filming the show. Ironically, having gone on the adventure to get a wheel chair for her brother, not only did her team lose in an upsetting manner (A teammate deliberately sabotaged the win), but then she found herself in a wheel chair herself. Paralyzed from the waste down, bladder and colon shut down, nerve damage over half of her body...She survived a great deal, but consuming a raw slug was what nearly killed her. A miraculous story of inspiration, recovery, and acceptance, she's getting better day by day, all the while with a positive attitude that proves contagious. Read on, Storm Watchers!